Public warnings

This is a list of public warnings about unfair business practices and people who engage in them. They are issued by the Fair Trading Minister or the Commissioner for Fair Trading when considered to be in the public interest.

The warning may identify and give information about:

goods that are unsatisfactory, or supplied in an unsatisfactory manner, and the people who supply them

unfair business practices and the people who have engaged in them

other matters that adversely affect or may adversely affect people receiving goods or services from suppliers.

These warnings are issued with regard to circumstances of the case, the stage of the investigation and the parties involved in the matter, and in compliance with privacy law.

You can also follow NSW Fair Trading on Twitter and Facebook or subscribe to news feeds for information about recent public warnings, scams and product recalls.

Digital Skies Group Pty Ltd

6 September 2016

NSW Fair Trading is warning consumers not to deal with Digital Skies Group Pty Ltd. The company trades as online electronic stores Android Enjoyed, Camera Sky and Klukkur.

These online businesses sell electronic products including digital cameras, mobile phones and smart watches, and one of the stores Android Enjoyed, appeared on this month's Fair Trading Complaints Register.

All three businesses operate online via three different websites: www.android-enjoyed.com, www.camerasky.com.au and www.klukkur.com. Facebook pages also redirect consumers to these sites.

Consumers who have dealt with Android Enjoyed, Camera Sky, Klukkur or any other businesses that may be affiliated with Digital Skies Group Pty Ltd, and are not satisfied with their interaction, are urged to contact NSW Fair Trading.

Gasoline Machine Pty Ltd and Gasoline Australia (NSW) Pty Ltd are located at 88 Bourke Road, Alexandria NSW. They deal in prestige motor vehicles, new and used motorcycles and scooters. Both Gasoline Machine Pty Ltd and Gasoline Australia (NSW) Pty Ltd have been suspended from trading pending a response by the licensees to a Notice to Show Cause on the licences and a determination by Fair Trading.

On 3 June 2016, Hall Chadwick Chartered Accountants were appointed receivers of Gasoline Machine Pty Ltd. Consumers who have incurred a detriment by Gasoline Machine Pty Ltd or need to collect their consigned vehicles should contact Nicholas Charlwood on (02) 9263 2600 or email ncharlwood@hallchadwick.com.au to register an interest.

If consumers have consigned a vehicle with Gasoline Australia (NSW) Pty Ltd and the vehicle has not yet been sold, they should contact the following licensee to arrange immediate collection. Gasoline Australia (NSW) Pty Ltd: 1300 427 654, (02) 9698 4433 or 0402 441 356.

Unapproved and fake USB phone chargers

14 April 2016

NSW Fair Trading Commissioner Rod Stowe announced the outcome of recent raids by the agency that netted thousands of unapproved and counterfeit products:

4,573 items were seized of unapproved and potentially dangerous USB phone chargers, including counterfeit brand products Apple, LG, Samsung, Huawei and Motorola. Some of the chargers confiscated were not branded but styled on a branded product. A number of the items seized were labelled with a false approval number.

The NSW Electricity (Consumer Safety) Act 2004 requires the testing, approval and marking of declared electrical articles prior to sale. All electrical products sold in NSW must comply with the Act and its regulations to ensure they are designed and manufactured to meet Australian Standards. Fair Trading can direct traders to remove dangerous items from sale and seize items for examination and testing. It is an offence under the Act to sell unapproved electrical articles, heavy penalties apply.

Consumers who have questions about the authenticity of approval numbers or marks on products should call Fair Trading on 13 32 20 for assistance. For more information about electrical safety and approval lables, visit the Safety labels for electrical goods page.

Cassandra Nicole Cooney

26 February 2016

NSW Fair Trading Commissioner Rod Stowe has issued a warning, under section 86A of the Fair Trading Act 1987, urging the public not to deal with Cassandra Nicole Cooney, also known as Cassandra Voros, who has traded and/or is trading as:

Total Domestic

Bond Cleaners Australia or Bond Cleaners Trust

Express Bond Cleaning or Express End of Lease Cleaning or Express Home Cleaning or Express Commercial Cleans

Imported Used Cars

22 February 2016

NSW Fair Trading Commissioner Rod Stowe has issued a warning under section 86A of the Fair Trading Act 1987 to consumers who purchase used motor vehicles.

After a lengthy joint investigation by NSW Fair Trading and NSW Police which included a number of other agencies, four motor vehicle dealerships have been identified as allegedly importing vehicles from Japan and tampering with the vehicle odometers by reducing the number of kilometres travelled.

Vehicles may have been on-sold to unsuspecting consumers who were misled about the actual readings. Odometer tampering is an offence against Section 52(1)(a) of the Motor Dealers and Repairers Act 2013.

The four businesses were served with Notices to Show Cause and one was also served with an immediate suspension notice. The four businesses subject of the warrants were: Impex 500 Pty Ltd t/a Master Car; Edward Lee’s Imports Pty Ltd t/a Edward Lee’s Imports; Prestige Auto Centre Pty Ltd t/a Prestige Auto Centre; and Dreamcarcity Pty Ltd t/a Dream Car City (which also received an immediate suspension)

Consumers who have concerns regarding purchases from these companies should contact NSW Fair Trading.

10 December 2015

NSW Fair Trading Commissioner Rod Stowe is warning the public not to deal with Christopher Wayne Stanley Boyce who has previously traded as Bustamove Removals and now trades as Interstate Relocation Specialist at www.interstaterelocationspecialist.com.

The Commissioner issued a public warning about Mr Boyce and Bustamove Removals on 11 July this year, following which Mr Boyce commenced trading under the unregistered business name Interstate Relocation Specialist.

Consumers should check internet product and service reviews for traders they are intending to deal with before committing to contracts or payment of any money. They are also advised not to automatically accept the lowest price quoted without further inquiry. In addition, consumers should not feel compelled to purchase based upon undue sales pressure from traders. This is also the case if consumers are using trader (removalist) locating or brokering (removalist) services on the internet and those businesses recommend Interstate Relocation Specialist.

NSW Fair Trading has commenced enforcement action against Mr Boyce and his businesses.

Familyautogroup Pty Ltd (Motor Dealer) or www.w4g.com.au

18 September 2015

Warning to the public not to deal with Familyautogroup Pty Ltd or their website www.w4g.com.au as their licence has been suspended.

Familyautogroup Pty Ltd is a motor dealer trading from premises at Woodville Road, Fairfield East that has attracted 64 complaints and 44 enquiries to Fair Trading since March 2013 to date.

The vast majority of complaints relate to vehicles becoming unroadworthy and/or defective shortly after purchase. Complaints also relate to vehicles purchased that had previously been repairable write offs.

In addition to the suspension of their licence, Fair Trading has commenced prosecution action against the business.

United Appliance (Australia) Pty Ltd or www.unitedappliance.com.au

11 September 2015

Warning to the public not to deal with United Appliance (Australia) Pty Ltd, an online store trading through the website www.unitedappliance.com.au.

The company accepts full payments for the service calls and all replacement parts 'upfront' from consumers by credit card or bank debt cards.Fair Trading has received complaints that the company's representative leaves the consumer's premises and fails to return to complete the work or returns and leaves again with the work still incomplete.

Fair Trading is concerned future consumers of United Appliance (Australia) Pty Ltd's business services may experience the same non-supply of goods and refund difficulties resulting in financial loss.

This conduct has resulted in detriment to NSW consumers and the issue of a public warning is being made under 86A of the Fair Trading Act 1987.

'Infinity' and 'Olsent' - branded electrical cable - recall update

7 August 2015

Due to the risk of deteriorating cable insulation causing electric shock, there is an ongoing national recall of 'INFINITY' and 'OLSENT' brand cable.

The cable, sourced from Infinity Cable Co Pty Ltd, was sold by traders in Australia between 2010 and 2013. A NSW mandatory recall issued in August 2015 has identified additional traders who provided the affected cable.

Builders, electricians and appliance installers must notify customers if they installed the recalled cable. They should refer to the details for builders and electricians at our Infinity electrical cable safety recall page. Here, they can also consult the full list of traders now identified under the recall.

Vehicles that normally sell for $150,000+ are often hired for weddings, gifts or a luxury treat.

Consumers hiring these vehicles are charged a premium rental fee and a ‘security deposit bond’ on their credit cards of between $1,000 and $20,000.

Some consumers provide their credit card details believing it is for pre-authorisation purposes only and are surprised to find bond money deducted.

Many consumers have raised concerns they were not clearly advised about payment of the security deposit bond until the day of hire. Consumers are often also asked to sign a rental agreement that stipulates the refund of the security deposit bond can take up to three months. Many consumers are left out of pocket for several months, chasing the return of their money.

There are concerns this business conduct has resulted in actual detriment and may result in possible future detriment to Australian residents and overseas visitors hiring these vehicles.

Inspiration Homes Pty Ltd

17 March 2015

Fair Trading is warning the public against dealing with any unlicensed home builders or building companies for work valued over $5,000.

Fair Trading is specifically warning the public not to enter into contracts with ‘Inspiration Homes’ (Inspiration Homes Pty Ltd, ACN 140 929 175) as it is an unlicensed entity.

Neither Inspiration Homes or its former director Mr Nikola Vujasin hold a contractor licence to contract or to do residential building work in NSW.

Consumers who have been interviewed by Fair Trading believed in every case that they were contracting with the company for the construction of their homes. It is evident that Inspiration Homes are engaging sub-contractors, ordering materials and advertising as the builder.

Fair Trading is concerned that Inspiration Homes will continue to present itself as a licensed home builder both in New South Wales and overseas to contract to do work in NSW, and will take deposits from consumers and leave incomplete and/or unsatisfactory work.

Before engaging anyone to do work around your home valued at more than $5,000 conduct a licence check on our website.

NSW Fair Trading is continuing to examine the operations of Inspiration Homes and its associated entities.

"Mr Vujasin ceased to be a director of Inspiration Homes from 5 January 2015, having notified the Australian Securities and Investments Commission on 7 April 2015."

Portable butane 'lunchbox' cookers

4 March 2015

Public warning under section 86A of the Fair Trading Act 1987 - consumers are warned not to buy portable butane cookers, commonly known as lunchbox cookers.

Note: Affected product names and model numbers can be found at our Lunchbox cookers page.

Testing of samples of the cookers undertaken at the request of State and Territory gas regulators showed that the cookers did not operate as required by the Australian Standard (AS 2658-2008 ‘LP gas – Portable and mobile appliances’.)

The test results showed that the cookers’ shut-off valves, known as overpressure devices, do not operate as intended and are non-compliant to the Standard.

This means that the cookers could pose serious safety risks. The specific risk is that the gas cylinder in the cookers may become overheated and could explode if the shut-off valves don’t operate as intended.

It is recommended that consumers don’t buy these cookers, and if they have older models of these type of cookers, stop using them and safely dispose of the cookers and the canisters.

1 September 2014

Public warning about the safety of Australian RV Gooseneck 5th wheeler trailers and Hijacker Fifth Wheel Assembly hitches due to non-compliance with Australian Design Rules.

The vehicles were sold by Play Mor Pty Ltd; Newcastle RVs Pty Ltd; and Newcastle RV Specialists Pty Ltd over the past four years. The companies' former director is James Fredrick Kaufmann.

Play Mor Pty Ltd and Newcastle RVs Pty Ltd are now in liquidation. Newcastle RV Specialists Pty Ltd is now trading as RV Specialists Pty Ltd.

Any consumer who has purchased an Australian RV Gooseneck trailer or Hijacker Fifth Wheel Assembly Hitch from Play Mor Pty Ltd; Newcastle RVs Pty Ltd; or Newcastle RV Specialists Pty Ltd, are encouraged to have their vehicles inspected immediately.

Safety alert on unapproved USB style chargers

26 June 2014

Public warning to consumers not to buy unapproved/uncertified USB style charges for phones and other devices following the tragic death of a young woman in the Gosford area.

Certain electrical articles have been declared under the Electricity (Consumer Safety) Act to need approval before they can be sold in NSW. Chargers are a declared article and it is an offence to sell unapproved chargers or any other declared article that is not approved.

Charbel Khoury / Switchiton / Switchworx

19 June 2014

Public warning to consumers not to deal with Mr Charbel Khoury or his company, Switchiton Electrical Services Australia Pty Ltd.

In November 2012 Parramatta Local Court ordered Mr Khoury to pay $31,162 in fines and costs, and ordered him to pay $50,000 in compensation to consumers affected by his substandard work when he operated under the company name of Switchworx Electrical Pty Ltd.

Mr Khoury was also disqualified from holding a licence for a period of three years by NSW Fair Trading but was recently discovered to be operating again under the new company Switchiton Electrical Services Australia Pty Ltd. Mr Khoury does substandard work, cutting corners on safety, and coerced consumers into paying for unnecessary and expensive works. He advertises in local newspapers and online in the Yellow Pages.

21 May 2013

Public Warning* not to deal with Robert Douglas Pentecost who trades under the unregistered business names of Ku-Ring-Gai Tree Service and Bob Pentecost Tree Services.

Mr Pentecost entices elderly or disadvantaged consumers to enter into unsolicited consumer agreements for the trimming or removal of trees for significant payments. Mr Pentecost has also entered into contracts with consumers to perform residential building work while unlicensed.

Information provided by consumers shows that Mr Pentecost accepts payments and then fails to comply with the requirements for unsolicited agreements. Consumers have also indicated that when problems arise Mr Pentecost is difficult to contact.

John Wolf

28 February 2013

Public Warning* not to deal with John Wolf, or any of his companies or websites. People should also be vigilant if they come across the web link www.theyachtmarket.com.au that seeks to give credence to Mr Wolf's businesses by linking them to the legitimate website www.theyachtmarket.com.

Mr Wolf operates a boat brokering business, but does not have a licence to carry on the business of buying or selling second-hand goods. Mr Wolf is currently the subject of a joint Fair Trading/NSW Police investigation over the buying and selling of vessels.

Public Warning* not to deal with Allan James Piggott for any home building or maintenance work, following his prosecution on 1 February 2013. Mr Piggott owes $76,800 in fines, costs and compensation payments to consumers. Mr Piggott does not not hold and has never held a licence to undertake building or maintenance work, yet he has entered into contracts, taken excessive deposits, done defective work and left jobs unfinished.

Allen Yousif Eve Harbour Cruises Pty Ltd

03 January 2013

Public Warning* not to deal with Eve Harbour Cruises Pty Ltd and its Director Allen Yousif. The company failed to provide cruise services on Christmas Day and New Years Eve 2012 which had already been paid for by consumers. A substantial number of consumers have suffered detriment and have been unable to contact the company to obtain a refund.

Roselyn Joy Wilson, Roz Wilson, Quality Direct, Quality Direct

28 September 2012

Public Warning* not to deal with Roselyn Joy Wilson and Quality Direct as the trader's business model is based on receiving upfront payment for goods prior to despatch. When goods are not received, consumers are unable to get any response from the trader.

Kar Land Pty Ltd trading as Webuyanycars

27 July 2012

Public Warning* not to deal with Kar Land Pty Ltd trading as Webuyanycars as the company's business model is based on obtaining motor vehicles from private customers but not paying for the vehicles until after they had been on-sold. In many cases, customers were not paid for their motor vehicles until many weeks afterwards.

Media release: Public warning on Kar Land Pty Ltd trading as Webuyanycars

27 January 2012

Public Warning* not to deal with Scullery & Holz, including Scullery and Holz Interiors Pty Ltd, Bespoke Interiors Pty Ltd trading as Scullery & Holz and the companies' sole director, Mr Stefan Mayer for unlicensed building work and not providing home warranty insurance.

14 November 2011

Public Warning* not to deal with businesses owned or run by Martin Lomm, the director of Exposit Events Pty Ltd for promoting, and accepting monies for, a trade expo at a venue that had no booking for the event.

Ticketfinders.com.au

26 September 2011

Public warning* not to deal with businesses owned or run by Thomas Gilmartin, the Director of Sydney based companies, Sion Events Pty Ltd, trading as Ticketfinders.com.au and TPTG Holdings Pty Ltd for selling unauthorised tickets for major concerts and events.